THERE may only be four places separating Middlesbrough and Blackpool in the Championship, but Ian Holloway thinks the two clubs are a million miles away in terms of stature.

Holloway, whose side only came down from the Premier League last season, is well aware of Boro's recent financial troubles, with Tony Mowbray asked to reduce the club's wage bill by more than half since taking over.

But, after a 2-2 draw at the Riverside on Saturday, the Blackpool boss is full of admiration for Middlesbrough and thinks they are shaped up for the top-flight and is hoping Mowbray can lead them back there.

Holloway was stunned when he travelled up to the North-East on Friday. He stayed with his squad overnight at Rockliffe Hall hotel, which is on the same complex as club's multi-million pound training ground, and is owned by Boro chairman Steve Gibson.

It reminded the former Queens Park Rangers midfielder of the ambitions around the Teesside club, who spent a decade in the Premier league before relegation in 2008.

"When you compare us to Middlesbrough, are we a Premier League team compared to them? I don't think so," said Holloway. "We came and stayed in their hotel, at their training ground, and everything about them as a club is impressive.

"I'm absolutely amazed at the great standard of everything here, it's a great football club. We're trying our best to compete after losing some of our best players. But you have to be impressed with everyone at this club and I wish them well, they deserve to be in the Premier League."

Holloway's comments will have been well received around the Riverside, with Gibson hopeful Mowbray can lead them back among the elite in tighter financial times.

And the Blackpool boss' praise for Boro did not stop there, suggesting that in Marvin Emnes and Scott McDonald they have one of the most dangerous attacking pair's in the Championship.

"Emnes is in fantastic form and the balance between him and Scott McDonald really works," he said. "They make their team look really good.

"I was a bit disappointed Scott scored the header against us, he's probably no taller than me, and my centre-halves are both 6ft 4in, but it's all about movement and confidence and he was terrific that day."